STRATFORD – More than 500 men and women, youth, families, clergy and religious came together in prayer and worship for the Diocese’s Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference held at Saint Luke Church.
Martha Reyes, a Puerto Rican-born singer-songwriter, evangelist and psychologist from Los Angeles, was the guest speaker for the Nov. 9 event; this was the second time she has attended the conference.
“We must close the wounds of our past in order to receive God’s grace in the present and future,” said Reyes, adding that this was the first time she had seen so many young people at the conference. She said she was proud and happy for their participation.
She encouraged all to have the faith and heart to retain God. “His timing is perfect, [and] even when times are difficult, we must learn and grow. God is never in a hurry and never late; he is always on time.”
Father Dalton Reyes, who serves in Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, Camden, celebrated Mass at the church facilities, which is part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine in Lindenwold. The day also included moments of prayer for healing and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
The Hispanic/Latino community said they were grateful to the priests present, as they were also able to go to Confession to receive the Eucharist during Mass.
Jovani Garcia, of Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral, said he was very moved by the celebration. “God saved me, guided me and strengthened me. I was on the wrong path for a long time, but He knew how to guide me to the right way.”
“I am very grateful to God,” said Garcia, who was accompanied by his family, wife and children.
Jessica Rodriguez, who is active in the Charismatic Renewal, also said she was thankful to God. “I was going through a chronic illness, not having courage for anything; it was there where I got closer to God, talking to him every day. From one moment to the next, I stopped feeling pain because of my illness, I began to heal and feel better”.
The day after the conference, the leaders of Hispanic prayer groups across the Diocese gathered for a day of formation, which was sponsored by the Diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry.
Andres Arango, bishop’s Delegate for Hispanic ministry and diocesan director of evangelization, said, “Christians must recognize that Jesus continues to heal today. The conference was an opportunity to experience the spiritual, inner and also physical healing love of God.”
He was also confident that the training helped leaders to serve their communities with the same compassionate love of Jesus that the Holy Spirit has brought to everyone’s hearts.
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